817.1051/817: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua ( Lane ) to the Secretary of State
Managua
, February
28, 1934—5 p.m.
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
79. The President sent for me this morning and told me that Congress had drafted a bill which would give the Guardia Nacional a legal status. He said that he has asked the Commission from the Congress [Page 543] to meet me, Señor Armijo, the President of the Congress, Senator Sandoval and Deputy Palma (former President of the Congress).
They thereupon exhibited the draft which, as I remember it from the few minutes which I had to examine it, is substantially as follows:
The Commanding General of the Guardia, that is the President, shall:
- 1.
- In accordance with the provisions of article 209 of the constitution, issue instructions to the Jefe Director.
- 2.
- Define military areas and direct movements of troops (article 3, paragraph 6 and 14).
- 3.
- Nominate officers in the Guardia (article III, paragraph 13).
- 4.
- Issue orders regarding “extraordinary” movements of Army.
- 5.
- Control communications and expenses.
- 6.
- Control, with Gobernación, over police forces now under Guardia.
- 7.
- Receive daily from Jefe Director report [on] activities and regularly report regarding expenditures.
- 8.
- Decree is to go into effect on publication in Gaceta Oficial.
Explanatory telegram follows.
Lane